Novmeber 19: President Obama shows off his Taekwondo skills as South Korean President Lee Myung-bak looks on. The President was given an honorary Taekwondo belt by the South Korean government to mark his first visit to the country. Obama visted in South Korea as part of an 8-day trip to Asia.
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Obama and Lee pass by the South Korean Honor Guard on their way to the presidential office in Seoul. Obama later calls the ceremony “the most spectacular ceremony for a state visit that we’ve been involved with as we’ve traveled.”
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Obama and the South Korean President shake hands before their summit.
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Obama and Lee give a joint press conference after their talks.
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The President walks with Kathleen Stephens, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and Gen. Walter Sharp, commander of U.S. forces in Korea, before addressing troops at Osan Air Force Base.
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Obama greets troops at the base.
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In his remarks to the troops, Obama says: “We pledge to be there when you come home. I mean, it’s nice here, but we want you coming home because you’ve always taken care of America, and America needs to take care of you.”
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The President also says in his remarks: “At every stop on my journey, one truth is clear: The security that allows families to live in peace in Asia and America, the prosperity that allows people to pursue their dreams, the freedoms and liberties that we cherish — they’re not accidents of history; they are the direct result of the work that you do, the strong alliances that we have.”
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